The modern-day city of Bethlehem sprawls over the Judea mountainside about 775 meters (2,543 ft) above sea level. Less than 7 miles north of it, and just a 3-hour walk away, is the city of Jerusalem.
Sitting 3 miles southeast across the valley from Bethlehem—and clearly visible from both Jerusalem and Bethlehem—is a 60m (197ft) high artificial volcano-shaped mound that dominates the horizon and sits at the edge of the desert.
At the time of Jesus' birth, a circular fortress had stood upon this man-made mountaintop, rising seven stories high (about 14 metres) with a single tower standing an additional 15 metres higher. This was the fortress home and pleasure palace of the reigning king of Judea, Herod I—also known as Herod the Great.